Jeweler's Probation over Trade Show Death
May 26, 25
(IDEX Online) - A jeweler has been sentenced to three years of deferred probation by a US court over an altercation that led to the death of another jeweler.
David Walton, aged 42, from New Paltz, New York, pleaded guilty after an incident at the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) trade show, in Dallas, Texas, last March.
According to arrest-warrant affidavit he pushed David Ettinger "in response to being attacked" at an hotel bar.
The charge, originally of aggravated assault, was subsequently downgraded to injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with criminal negligence.
Ettinger, aged 69, from West Virginia, had just retired and was attending the show with his wife; He fell to the floor after being pushed, struck his head and died in hospital later of his injuries.
Walton, co-owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith, in New Paltz, called 911 but checked out of the Hilton Anatole hotel (pictured) before police arrived.
After sentencing, his widow Lori told the New York-based Times Union newspaper: "I don't think that's an adequate penalty for taking someone's life."
Walton will have no criminal record if he complies with the terms of his probation.